Slot-securable point marking tool

ABSTRACT

An exemplary slot-securable point marking tool comprises a first arm extending longitudinally from a base end to a guide leading edge, and a second arm extending longitudinally from the base end to an insertion guide lip. A tool mouth is defined between the guide leading edge and the insertion guide lip. A tool axis extends from the base end to the tool mouth. A point axis is defined orthogonally to the tool axis. The tool mouth is movable in a direction parallel to the point axis between a securement configuration and an expanded configuration. The tool mouth is resiliently biased toward the securement configuration. The second arm includes at least one slot alignment protuberance extending toward the first arm in a direction parallel to the point axis. The second arm includes a marking point element extending along the point axis oppositely of the at least one slot alignment protuberance.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/425,938 filed Jul. 26, 2021, which is a U.S. national stage of PCTInternational Patent Application No. PCT/US2020/015469 having aninternational filing date of Jan. 28, 2020, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/797,907 filed Jan. 28, 2019 and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/813,649 filed Mar. 4, 2019. All of theabove-identified applications are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entireties as though fully and completely set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure herein relates generally to devices and methods formounting objects onto supporting structures. More particularly, thedisclosure relates to devices and methods to facilitate placement ofblind hardware-mount components, such as mounting screws and hooks whichengage a keyhole, slot or thin edge of an object, cleats, sawtoothhangers, and security slot hardware wall clips, on a supporting wall orother structure in a manner which results in desired alignment of themounted object.

BACKGROUND

Applicant's previously-filed PCT International Patent Application Nos.PCT/US2016/053208 (published on Mar. 30, 2017 as WO 2017/053636) andPCT/US2018/039374 (published on Jan. 3, 2019 as WO 2019/005707),disclosed certain expedients for a blind slide-mount fastener alignmentapparatus, kit and method. The instant disclosure presents furtherinnovations which extend beyond the teachings of Applicant'spreviously-published work and provide solutions to additional problemsin the art.

SUMMARY

Certain deficiencies of the prior art are overcome by the provision ofembodiments of an apparatus, kit and method in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages of the present invention may become apparent to thoseskilled in the art with the benefit of the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments and upon reference to theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of one example markingapparatus in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view similar to that of FIG. 1, butwith the cap element shown removed from the apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic exploded view of the example marking apparatusof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a further diagrammatic perspective view of the example markingapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a further diagrammatic exploded view of the example markingapparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the object retentionelement of the example marking apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a further diagrammatic perspective view of the objectretention element of the example marking apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a fixture close-out elementof the example marking apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the cover element of theexample marking apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a further diagrammatic perspective view of the cover elementof the example marking apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the cap element of theexample marking apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12A is a diagrammatic perspective view of the stamp element of theexample marking apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12B is a further diagrammatic perspective view of the stamp elementof the example marking apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13A is a diagrammatic perspective view of the cover retentionelement of the example marking apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13B is a further diagrammatic perspective view of the coverretention element of the example marking apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a post element fromthe example marking apparatus of FIG. 1, wherein threaded engagementbetween the head adapter and the shaft member enables the head distanceto be adjusted by relative rotation between the shaft member and thehead adapter;

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG.14, but wherein the head distance is increased by way of relativerotation between the head adapter and shaft member;

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic top view of the example marking apparatus ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic front view of the example marking apparatus ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic side view of the example marking apparatus ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the example marking apparatusof FIG. 1;

FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic exploded cross-sectional view taken acrosslines 21-21 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken across lines 21-21of FIG. 16;

FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken across lines 22-22of FIG. 16;

FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG.21, but wherein the cover element is shown being rotatedcounter-clockwise so as to ensure the tightening element is threadedlymoved to a release position;

FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG.23, but wherein the object retention element is shown axially moved toits open position;

FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG.24, but wherein the head portion of the post element has been insertedthrough fastener head opening of a mounting slot of a respective object;

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG.25, but showing the object retention element in a gripping position withthe tightening element still in a release position;

FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG.26, but showing the cover element being rotated while the rotationaldetent member remains non-rotatably engaged with the rotational detentface, thereby preventing the post element from being able to rotate withrespect to the object retention element, to threadedly transport thetightening element to its lock position;

FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken across lines 28-28of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the marking apparatusof FIG. 27, but shown with the cap element removed and in aconfiguration in which the cover element is in its extended position andis positioned against the mounting surface prior to marking;

FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the marking apparatusof FIG. 27, but shown in a further configuration in which the coverelement is forced into its retracted position by pushing the objecttoward the mounting surface, thereby causing the marking tip to place arespective patch of marking substance on the mounting surface;

FIG. 31 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view of a mountingsurface with an apparatus-placed mark thereon, and a fastener beingaligned with the marking for installation thereat;

FIG. 32 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view of a mountingsurface with a fastener installed therein at the location of anapparatus-placed mark;

FIG. 33 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view of an objectmounted to a mounting surface by way of engagement between the object'sslot feature and a fastener;

FIG. 34 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the example markingapparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a configuration similar to that of FIG. 21,but wherein the marking apparatus is grippingly attached to a keyholehardware element pre-mounted to the local planar surface of therespective object to be mounted, and wherein a head adapter with atapered inner face substitutes for the previous head adapter having asubstantially flat inner face;

FIG. 35 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the example markingapparatus similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 34, but wherein themarking apparatus is grippingly attached to a keyhole hardware elementpre-mounted within a recess inward of the local planar surface of therespective object to be mounted, and wherein a head adapter with alonger shank substitutes for the shorter-shank head adapter used in FIG.34;

FIG. 36 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a second example markingapparatus in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 37 is a diagrammatic perspective view similar to that of FIG. 36,but with the cap element shown removed from the apparatus;

FIG. 38 is a diagrammatic exploded view of the example marking apparatusof FIG. 36;

FIG. 39 is a further diagrammatic perspective view of the examplemarking apparatus of FIG. 36;

FIG. 40 is a further diagrammatic exploded view of the example markingapparatus shown in FIG. 36;

FIG. 41 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the object retentionelement of the example marking apparatus shown in FIG. 36;

FIG. 42 is a further diagrammatic perspective view of the objectretention element of the example marking apparatus shown in FIG. 36;

FIG. 43 is a diagrammatic top view of the example marking apparatus ofFIG. 36;

FIG. 44 is a diagrammatic front view of the example marking apparatus ofFIG. 36;

FIG. 45 is a diagrammatic side view of the example marking apparatus ofFIG. 36;

FIG. 46 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the example marking apparatusof FIG. 36;

FIG. 47 is a diagrammatic exploded cross-sectional view taken acrosslines 48-48 of FIG. 43;

FIG. 48 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken across lines 48-48of FIG. 43;

FIG. 49 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken across lines 49-49of FIG. 43;

FIG. 50A is a diagrammatic perspective view of a conventional T-screwsecurity hanger hardware element;

FIG. 50B is a diagrammatic perspective view of a second conventionalT-screw security hanger hardware element;

FIG. 50C is a diagrammatic perspective view of a third conventionalT-screw security hanger hardware element;

FIG. 51A is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG.48, but wherein the cover element is shown being rotatedcounter-clockwise so as to ensure the tightening element is threadedlymoved to a release position;

FIG. 51B is a diagrammatic cross-sectional taken at a 90-degree anglefrom FIG. 51A and showing the marking apparatus in the sameconfiguration;

FIG. 52A is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG.51A, but wherein the object retention element is shown axially moved toits open position;

FIG. 52B is a diagrammatic cross-sectional taken at a 90-degree anglefrom FIG. 52A and showing the marking apparatus in the sameconfiguration;

FIG. 53A is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG.52A, but wherein the head portion of the post element has been insertedthrough a T-screw security hanger hardware element slot of a respectiveobject;

FIG. 53B is a diagrammatic cross-sectional taken at a 90-degree anglefrom FIG. 53A and showing the marking apparatus in the sameconfiguration;

FIG. 54A is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG.53A, but showing the apparatus having been rotated 90 degrees about themain axis so as to trap the elongated head portion behind the slot ofthe hardware element;

FIG. 54B is a diagrammatic cross-sectional taken at a 90-degree anglefrom FIG. 54A and showing the marking apparatus in the sameconfiguration;

FIG. 55A is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG.54A, but showing the object retention element in a gripping positionwith the tightening element still in a release position;

FIG. 55B is a diagrammatic cross-sectional taken at a 90-degree anglefrom FIG. 55A and showing the marking apparatus in the sameconfiguration;

FIG. 56A is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG.55A, but showing the cover element being rotated while the rotationaldetent member remains non-rotatably engaged with the rotational detentface, thereby preventing the post element from being able to rotate withrespect to the object retention element, to threadedly transport thetightening element to its lock position;

FIG. 56B is a diagrammatic cross-sectional taken at a 90-degree anglefrom FIG. 56A and showing the marking apparatus in the sameconfiguration;

FIG. 57 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the marking apparatusof FIG. 56A, but shown with the cap element removed and in aconfiguration in which the cover element is in its extended position andis positioned against the mounting surface prior to marking;

FIG. 58 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the marking apparatusof FIG. 57, but shown in a further configuration in which the coverelement is forced into its retracted position by pushing the objecttoward the mounting surface, thereby causing the marking tip to place arespective patch of marking substance on the mounting surface;

FIG. 59A is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view of a mountingsurface with an apparatus-placed mark thereon, and showing the verticaldistance between the mark applied by the marking apparatus and where thefastener element must be inserted, which the user would take note ofprior to inserting the fastener;

FIG. 59B is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view of a mountingsurface with an apparatus-placed mark thereon, and the security hardwaresupport bracket fastened in place;

FIG. 59C is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view similar to thatof FIG. 59B, but wherein the object with security hanger hardwareelement is hung on the mounted support bracket;

FIG. 60A is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view of a mountingsurface with an apparatus-placed mark thereon, prior to inserting aT-screw fastener;

FIG. 60B is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view similar to thatof FIG. 60A, but wherein the T-screw fastener is shown inserted into themounting surface at the location of the apparatus-placed mark thereonand with the T-head being oriented horizontally;

FIG. 60C is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view similar to thatof FIG. 60B, but wherein the object with security hanger hardwareelement is hung on the T-screw fastener and with the T-head then beingrotated toward a vertical position so as to lock the object to themounting surface;

FIG. 61 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an example self-centeringslot-securable point-marking tool in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 62 is a diagrammatic magnified partial perspective view of theslot-securable point-marking tool shown in FIG. 61;

FIG. 63 is a further diagrammatic magnified partial perspective view ofthe slot-securable point-marking tool shown in FIG. 61;

FIG. 64 is a diagrammatic front view of the slot-securable point-markingtool shown in FIG. 61;

FIG. 65 is a diagrammatic side view of the slot-securable point-markingtool shown in FIG. 61, illustrating movement of the tool mouth in adirection parallel to the point axis between a securement configurationand an expanded configuration;

FIG. 66 is a diagrammatic top view of the slot-securable point-markingtool shown in FIG. 61;

FIG. 67 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the slot-securablepoint-marking tool shown in FIG. 61;

FIG. 68 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken along lines 68-68of FIG. 66;

FIG. 69 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken along lines 69-69of FIG. 66, showing the slot-securable point marking tool prior to beingsecured to a respective security hanger hardware element;

FIG. 70 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG.69, but showing the slot-securable point marking tool secured to arespective security hanger hardware element so that its point element isaligned with the slot of the hardware element, and the object beingpushed forward to mark the mounting surface with the slot location;

FIG. 71 is a diagrammatic exploded perspective view illustrating theassembly of one potential packaging system and method for a pair ofconsumer versions of the marking apparatus of the present disclosure,wherein additional cap elements are in included to provide alternatemarking substance colors;

FIG. 72 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the assembled version ofthe packaging system of FIG. 71;

FIG. 73 is a further diagrammatic perspective view of the assembledpackaging system of FIG. 72;

FIG. 74 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the assembledpackaging system of FIG. 72;

FIG. 75 is a diagrammatic exploded perspective view illustrating theassembly of one potential packaging system and method for a pair ofcommercial security versions of the marking apparatus of the presentdisclosure, wherein additional cap elements are in included to providealternate marking substance colors;

FIG. 76 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the assembled version ofthe packaging system of FIG. 75;

FIG. 77 is a further diagrammatic perspective view of the assembledpackaging system of FIG. 76;

FIG. 78 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the assembledpackaging system of FIG. 76;

FIG. 79A is a diagrammatic partial plan view of an object with onealternate example shape of a slide-mount or fastener slot withrespective slot closed end;

FIG. 79B is a diagrammatic partial plan view of an object with anotheralternate example shape of a slide-mount slot with respective slotclosed end;

FIG. 79C is a diagrammatic partial plan view of an object with anotheralternate example shape of a slide-mount slot with respective slotclosed end;

FIG. 79D is a diagrammatic partial plan view of an object with anotheralternate example shape of a slide-mount slot with respective slotclosed end;

FIG. 80 is a diagrammatic perspective view of one example of a postelement that includes a friction offset member in receipt of the shaftelement in a manner restricting or preventing relative rotationtherebetween;

FIG. 81 is a further diagrammatic perspective view of the example postelement of FIG. 80;

FIG. 82 is a diagrammatic exploded view of the example post element ofFIG. 80;

FIG. 83 is a further diagrammatic exploded view of the example postelement of FIG. 80;

FIG. 84 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of another embodiment ofa marking apparatus, wherein the post element includes a frictionaloffset washer as shown in FIG. 80;

FIG. 85 is a diagrammatic perspective view of one embodiment of amarking apparatus being installed on a keyhole hardware element affixedto an object to be mounted;

FIG. 86 is a diagrammatic end view of the embodiment of a markingapparatus shown in FIG. 85, illustrating a potential operating conditionin which the size and shape of a particular keyhole hardware element mayresult in the hardware relief channel asymmetrically receiving a portionof the hardware element, thereby preventing the apparatus from sittingorthogonally to the object's surface;

FIG. 87 is a diagrammatic perspective view of one example channeladapter for use in remedying the operating condition such as describedabove with regard to FIG. 86

FIG. 88 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the example channeladapter of FIG. 87 being deployed on one example marking apparatusdescribed herein, wherein the channel adapter includes a shank slot forlaterally receiving a shank portion of the post element and guiding itinto a shank relief aperture;

FIG. 89 is a diagrammatic perspective view similar to that of FIG. 88,but wherein the shank portion of the post element extends through theshank relief aperture of the channel adapter, and the head portion ofthe post element has a head diameter smaller than the shank reliefaperture so as to allow the head portion to resiliently secure thechannel adapter in releasable securement across the hardware reliefchannel of the object retention element;

FIG. 90 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating the markingapparatus shown in FIG. 86 grippingly attached to the keyhole hardwareelement shown in FIG. 86, but wherein the channel adapter has beendeployed on the marking apparatus so as to prevent portions of thekeyhole hardware element from being asymmetrically received by thehardware relief channel;

FIG. 91 is a diagrammatic perspective view similar to FIG. 86, butwherein a channel adapter prevents the hardware relief channel fromasymmetrically receiving a portion of the hardware element, therebyallowing the marking apparatus to remain orthogonal to the object'ssurface;

FIG. 92 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating an examplemarking apparatus with channel adapter deployed thereon, wherein themarking apparatus is being grippingly attached to a sawtooth hangerhardware element;

FIG. 93 is a diagrammatic perspective view similar to FIG. 92, butwherein the marking apparatus with deployed channel adapter isgrippingly attached to the sawtooth hanger hardware element;

FIG. 94 is a diagrammatic front view of the marking apparatus, channeladapter and sawtooth hanger hardware element of FIG. 93 affixed to anobject to be mounted to a mounting surface;

FIG. 95 is a diagrammatic plan view of one alternative example of achannel adapter, wherein the shank relief aperture has a diameter equalto or greater than the head portion of the post element, and an upperportion of the channel adapter includes an adapter friction element(e.g., an elastomer ring) to frictionally engage the inner surface ofthe hardware relief channel for releasably retaining the channeladapter;

FIG. 96 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken along lines 96-96of FIG. 95; showing the channel adapter of FIG. 95 releasably secured tothe object retention element by way of an elastomeric adapter frictionelement;

FIG. 97 is a diagrammatic plan view of another alternative example of achannel adapter, wherein the shank relief aperture has a diameter equalto or greater than the head portion of the post element, and the channeladapter is configured to be releasably frictionally retained entirelywithin the hardware relief channel so that its outboard face remainsflush with the object reference plane;

FIG. 98 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken along lines 98-98of FIG. 97, showing the channel adapter of FIG. 97 releasably secured tothe object retention element within the hardware relief channel;

FIG. 99 is a diagrammatic plan view of further alternative example of achannel adapter, wherein the shank relief aperture has a diameter equalto or greater than the head portion of the post element, and the channeladapter is configured to be releasably magnetically retained in itsreleasable securement by way of one or more adapter magnet elements inmagnetic engagement with one or more corresponding retention magnetelements of the object retain element;

FIG. 100 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken along lines100-100 of FIG. 99, showing the channel adapter of FIG. 99 releasablysecured to the object retention element within the hardware reliefchannel;

FIG. 101 is a diagrammatic perspective view a marking apparatus similarto that shown in FIG. 1, but with the object retention element shown inan open position with the head portion extended;

FIG. 102 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a marking apparatus ofFIG. 101, with the object retention element actuated to an open positionwith the head portion extended to expand a lip groove;

FIG. 103 is a diagrammatic perspective view similar to that of FIG. 102,but wherein the head portion of the marking apparatus has been insertedinto a fastener head opening of a slide mount slot in the object to bemounted;

FIG. 104 is a diagrammatic perspective view similar to that of FIG. 103,but wherein the object retention element is released to move to itsgripping position under the force of the spring element;

FIG. 105 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a marking apparatus ofFIG. 101, with the object retention element shown actuated to an openposition with the head portion extended to expand a lip groove, andillustrating a keyhole hardware element recessed inward of the localplanar surface of the object to be mounted;

FIG. 106 is a diagrammatic perspective view similar to that of FIG. 105,but wherein the shank portion of the post element is slid intoengagement with the slot end and the object retention element restssquarely on the local horizonal surface of the object to be mounted sothat the main axis of the apparatus is orthogonal to that plane;

FIG. 107 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a marking apparatus ofFIG. 101, with the object retention element shown actuated to an openposition with the head portion extended to expand a lip groove, andillustrating a keyhole hardware element attached on top of the localplanar surface of the object to be mounted;

FIG. 108 is a diagrammatic perspective view similar to that of FIG. 107,but wherein the shank portion of the post element has been slid intoengagement with the slot end and the object retention element restssquarely on the planar flanges of the keyhole hardware element so thatthe main axis of the apparatus remains orthogonal to the localhorizontal plane of the object;

FIG. 109 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating a pair ofmarking apparatuses secured squarely to the object to be mounted by wayof the object's mounting slots;

FIG. 110 is a diagrammatic perspective view similar to that of FIG. 109,but wherein the cap elements of the marking apparatuses are shown havingbeen removed thereby revealing the marking substance deposited on themarking ends;

FIG. 111 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating the object withmarking apparatuses secured thereto being pushed toward the mountingsurface for leaving slot fastener location marks thereon;

FIG. 112 is a diagrammatic perspective view a marking apparatus similarto that shown in FIG. 36, wherein the head portion is elongated along alength orthogonal to the main axis;

FIG. 113 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a marking apparatus ofFIG. 112, with the object retention element shown actuated to an openposition thereby extending the head portion and expanding a lip groove,and showing a conventional T-screw security hanger hardware element towhich the marking apparatus will be secured;

FIG. 114 is a diagrammatic perspective view similar to that of FIG. 101,but wherein the head portion of the marking apparatus has been insertedinto a fastener slot in the object to be mounted and the markingapparatus is being rotated 90 degrees with respect to the fastener slotwhile the object retention element remaining in an open position,thereby trapping the head portion behind the slot;

FIG. 115 is a diagrammatic perspective view similar to that of FIG. 114,but wherein the marking apparatus is fully rotated 90 degrees withrespect to the fastener slot thereby trapping the head portion behindthe slot and allowing the slot alignment bosses to enter the slot;

FIG. 116 is a diagrammatic perspective view similar to that of FIG. 115,but wherein the cap element and underlying cover element are beingrotated clockwise to move the tightening element toward its lockposition;

FIG. 117 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating three markingapparatuses of the type shown in FIG. 112 secured squarely to the objectto be mounted by way of the object's mounting slots similar to that ofFIG. 107, and wherein the cap elements of the marking apparatuses havebeen removed thereby showing the marking substance deposited on themarking ends;

FIG. 118 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating the object ofFIG. 117 with marking apparatuses secured thereto being pushed towardthe mounting surface for leaving slot fastener location marks thereon;

FIG. 119 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating an exampleself-aligning slot-securable point marking tool fully-engaged with theT-screw security hanger hardware element so that the marker tip isaligned with the hardware slot;

FIG. 120 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the object beingpressed forward at the location of the marker tip of the point markingtool to cause the marking tip to mark the mounting surface thereunder;

FIG. 121 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the object shown in FIG.120 being mounted to the mounting surface by way of the upper fastenerbrackets and the lower T-screw, wherein a specialized T-head torqueingtool is being used to begin rotating the head of the T-screw from thehorizontal orientation toward a vertical orientation;

FIG. 122 is a diagrammatic perspective view similar to that of FIG. 121,but wherein the specialized T-head torqueing tool has fully rotated thehead of the T-screw in the mounting surface to a vertical orientation soas to lock the security hardware hanger element on the object beingmounted in engagement with the T-screw;

FIG. 123 is a diagrammatic flow chart of one example method for usingmarking apparatuses in accordance with the present disclosure,particularly marking apparatuses such as the one at FIG. 1;

FIG. 124 is a diagrammatic flow chart of one example method for usingmarking apparatuses in accordance with the present disclosure,particularly marking apparatuses such as the one at FIG. 36;

FIG. 125 is a diagrammatic top view of an example alternate objectretention element configured to be used in conjunction with an alternatehead portion for facilitating slotless mounting (e.g., cleat-mounting orsawtooth-mounting) of an object to a mounting surface in a desiredalignment using the object as an alignment template;

FIG. 126 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the example alternateobject retention element shown in FIG. 125;

FIG. 127 is a diagrammatic front view of the example alternate objectretention element shown in FIG. 125;

FIG. 128 is a diagrammatic side view of the example alternate objectretention element shown in FIG. 125;

FIG. 129 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the example alternate objectretention element shown in FIG. 125;

FIG. 130 is a further diagrammatic perspective view of the examplealternate object retention element shown in FIG. 125;

FIG. 131 is a diagrammatic side view of an example shaft member and headportion configured to be used in conjunction with the object retentionelement such as the one shown in FIG. 125 for facilitating slotlessmounting (e.g., cleat-mounting or sawtooth-mounting) of an object to amounting surface in a desired alignment using the object as an alignmenttemplate, wherein the inner face of the head portion has a 15-degreeoffset from the transverse axis;

FIG. 132 is a diagrammatic side view of an example shaft member and headportion similar to that of FIG. 131, but wherein the inner face of thehead portion has a 30-degree offset from the transverse axis;

FIG. 133 is a diagrammatic side view of an example shaft member and headportion similar to that of FIG. 131, but wherein the inner face of thehead portion has a 0-degree offset from the transverse axis;

FIG. 134 is a diagrammatic front view of a third example markingapparatus in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein theapparatus is configured for facilitating slotless cleat-mounting of anobject to a mounting surface in a desired alignment using the object asan alignment template, and wherein the inner face of the head portionhas a 15-degree grip angle with respect to the transverse axis in orderto match a respective cleat angle;

FIG. 135 is a diagrammatic side view of the example marking apparatusshown in FIG. 134;

FIG. 136 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the example marking apparatusshown in FIG. 134;

FIG. 137 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an example shaft memberand head portion for use with the example marking apparatus shown inFIG. 134;

FIG. 138 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the example markingapparatus shown in FIG. 134;

FIG. 139 is a further diagrammatic perspective view of the examplemarking apparatus shown in FIG. 134;

FIG. 140 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken across lines140-140 of FIG. 134;

FIG. 141 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the apparatus ofFIG. 134 grippingly secured to a cleat hardware element for use inmounting a corresponding object to a mounting surface, with the lipalignment detent of the objection retention element engaged by themounting lip of the cleat hardware element;

FIG. 142 is a further diagrammatic perspective view of the apparatus andcleat hardware element of FIG. 140;

FIG. 143 is a diagrammatic plan view of a pair of apparatuses of FIG.134 shown grippingly secured to a cleat hardware element, wherein thelongitudinal axis of each apparatus is aligned with the mounting lip ofthe cleat hardware element;

FIG. 144 is a diagrammatic side view illustrating the marking apparatusof FIG. 134 grippingly secured to a cleat hardware element affixed to anobject to be mounted, wherein the cover element is shown forced into itsretracted position by pushing the object toward the mounting surface,thereby causing the marking tip to place a respective patch of markingsubstance on the mounting surface;

FIG. 145 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view showing awall-side cleat hardware element fastened to the mounting surface inalignment with the apparatus-placed mark resulting from the operationshown in FIG. 144;

FIG. 146 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view similar to thatof FIG. 145, but wherein the object with its cleat hardware element ishung on the corresponding wall-side cleat hardware element previouslyfastened to the mounting surface as shown in FIG. 145;

FIG. 147 is a diagrammatic front view of a marking apparatus similar tothat of FIG. 134, but wherein the inner face of the head portion has a30-degree grip angle with respect to the transverse axis in order tomatch a respective cleat angle;

FIG. 148 is a diagrammatic side view of the example marking apparatusshown in FIG. 147;

FIG. 149 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the example marking apparatusshown in FIG. 147;

FIG. 150 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an example shaft memberand head portion for use with the example marking apparatus shown inFIG. 147;

FIG. 151 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the example markingapparatus shown in FIG. 147;

FIG. 152 is a further diagrammatic perspective view of the examplemarking apparatus shown in FIG. 147;

FIG. 153 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken across lines153-153 of FIG. 147;

FIG. 154 is a diagrammatic side view illustrating the marking apparatusof FIG. 147 grippingly secured to a cleat hardware element affixed to anobject to be mounted, wherein the cover element is shown forced into itsretracted position by pushing the object toward the mounting surface,thereby causing the marking tip to place a respective patch of markingsubstance on the mounting surface;

FIG. 155 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view showing awall-side cleat hardware element fastened to the mounting surface inalignment with the apparatus-placed mark resulting from the operationshown in FIG. 154;

FIG. 156 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view similar to thatof FIG. 145, but wherein the object with its cleat hardware element ishung on the corresponding wall-side cleat hardware element previouslyfastened to the mounting surface as shown in FIG. 155;

FIG. 157 is a diagrammatic front view of a marking apparatus alsosimilar to that of FIG. 134, but wherein the inner face of the headportion has a 0-degree grip angle with respect to the transverse axis inorder to match a respective cleat angle;

FIG. 158 is a diagrammatic side view of the example marking apparatusshown in FIG. 157;

FIG. 159 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the example marking apparatusshown in FIG. 157;

FIG. 160 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an example shaft memberand head portion for use with the example marking apparatus shown inFIG. 157;

FIG. 161 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the example markingapparatus shown in FIG. 157;

FIG. 162 is a further diagrammatic perspective view of the examplemarking apparatus shown in FIG. 157;

FIG. 163 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken across lines163-163 of FIG. 157;

FIG. 164 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the apparatus ofFIG. 157 grippingly secured to a cleat hardware element for use inmounting a corresponding object to a mounting surface, with the lipalignment detent of the objection retention element engaged by themounting lip of the cleat hardware element;

FIG. 165 is a further diagrammatic perspective view of the apparatus andcleat hardware element of FIG. 164;

FIG. 166 is a diagrammatic side view illustrating the marking apparatusof FIG. 157 grippingly secured to a cleat hardware element affixed to anobject to be mounted, wherein the cover element is shown forced into itsretracted position by pushing the object toward the mounting surface,thereby causing the marking tip to place a respective patch of markingsubstance on the mounting surface;

FIG. 167 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view showing awall-side cleat hardware element fastened to the mounting surface inalignment with the apparatus-placed mark resulting from the operationshown in FIG. 166;

FIG. 168 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view similar to thatof FIG. 167, but wherein the object with its cleat hardware element ishung on the corresponding wall-side cleat hardware element previouslyfastened to the mounting surface as shown in FIG. 167;

FIG. 169 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a conventional sawtoothhanger hardware element;

FIG. 170 is a diagrammatic front view of a marking apparatus of FIG.157, but wherein the apparatus is shown grippingly secured to aconvention sawtooth hanger hardware element as shown in FIG. 169;

FIG. 171 is a diagrammatic side view of the example marking apparatusand hardware element shown in FIG. 170;

FIG. 172 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the example markingapparatus and hardware element shown in FIG. 170;

FIG. 173 is a further diagrammatic perspective view of the examplemarking apparatus and hardware element shown in FIG. 170;

FIG. 174 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a fourth example markingapparatus in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein theapparatus is configured for facilitating slotless cleat-mounting of anobject to a mounting surface in a desired alignment using the object asan alignment template, and wherein the inner face of the head portionhas an adjustable grip angle with respect to the transverse axis inorder to allow the apparatus to accommodate a variety of respectivecleat angles;

FIG. 175 is a diagrammatic exploded view of one example shaft member andhead portion subassembly for use in association with the apparatus shownon FIG. 174;

FIG. 176 is an enlarged diagrammatic perspective view of the headportion in accordance with the subassembly of FIG. 175;

FIG. 177 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a post element inaccordance with the apparatus of FIG. 174 and the subassembly of FIG.175;

FIG. 178 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG.174 showing the inner face of the head portion set to a 0-degree gripangle with respect to the transverse axis in order to match a respectivecleat angle;

FIG. 179 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG.178, but wherein the inner face of the head portion is shown set to a30-degree grip angle with respect to the transverse axis in order tomatch a respective cleat angle;

FIG. 180 is a diagrammatic top view of an example magneticslot-securable point marking tool in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 181 is a diagrammatic front view of the example magneticslot-securable point marking tool of FIG. 180;

FIG. 182 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the example magneticslot-securable point marking tool of FIG. 180;

FIG. 183 is a diagrammatic side view of the example magneticslot-securable point marking tool of FIG. 180;

FIG. 184 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken across lines184-184 of FIG. 181;

FIG. 185 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken across lines185-185 of FIG. 183;

FIG. 186A is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view illustrating themagnetic slot-securable point marking tool of FIG. 180 before beingmagnetically affixed to a hanger hardware element having a fastenerslot;

FIG. 186B is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken orthogonally toFIG. 186A;

FIG. 187A is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 186A,but wherein the magnetic slot-securable point marking tool is shownmagnetically affixed to a hanger hardware element of an object, with theslot alignment protuberances being received by the fastener slot of thehardware element;

FIG. 187B is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken orthogonally toFIG. 187A;

FIG. 188A is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 187A,but wherein the object is being pressed forward to force the tip of themarking point element into the mounting surface, thereby marking themounting surface thereat;

FIG. 188B is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken orthogonally toFIG. 187A;

FIG. 189 is a diagrammatic top view of an alternative example magneticslot-securable point marking tool in accordance with the presentdisclosure, including two separate magnetic elements disposed betweenthe offset portion and the unitary slot alignment protuberance, andincluding two marking point elements;

FIG. 190 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the example magneticslot-securable point marking tool of FIG. 189;

FIG. 191 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken across lines191-191 of FIG. 189;

FIG. 192 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view illustrating themagnetic slot-securable point marking tool of FIG. 189 shownmagnetically affixed to a hanger hardware element of an object, with theslot alignment protuberance being received by the fastener slot of thehardware element;

FIG. 193 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 192, butwherein the object is being pressed forward to force the tips of the twomarking point elements into the mounting surface, thereby marking themounting surface thereat;

FIG. 194 is a diagrammatic bottom view of a further alternative examplemagnetic slot-securable point marking tool in accordance with thepresent disclosure, wherein the slot alignment protuberance is also theat least one magnetic element; and

FIG. 195 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken across lines195-195 of FIG. 194.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding features throughout the several views.

With reference to the several drawings, various embodiments of a markingapparatus for facilitating blind mounting of an object 102 to a mountingsurface 108 in a desired alignment using the object as an alignmenttemplate are shown generally at 100.

Exemplary embodiments of a marking apparatus 100 may comprise a postelement 110, an object retention element 120 and a cover element 132.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 14, in particular preferred embodiments, thepost element 110 may include a shaft member 116, a marking end 114 and afirst head adapter 111 a. The shaft member 116 may have a rotationaldetent portion 190. The first head adapter 111 a may have a first headportion 112 a and a first shank portion 172 a. Referring to FIGS. 21 and22, the first head adapter 111 a may be configured to be placed inreleasable engagement with the shaft member 116 by way of the firstshank portion 172 whereby the post element 110 extends from the firsthead portion 112 a to the marking end 114 along a main axis 118. Thisreleasable engagement may preferably be a threaded engagement. In thealternative, the releasable engagement may be a snap engagement or thelike.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 20, the object retention element 120 mayhave an alignment bore 170 extending along the main axis 118 between abore proximal end 174 and a bore distal end 176. The alignment bore 170may be in receipt of the post element 110 and include a rotationaldetent section 210. The rotational detent section 210 may be configuredto engage the rotational detent portion 190 to restrict relativerotation between the shaft member 116 and the object retention element120 about the main axis 118. The object retention element 120 may bemovable with respect to the post element 110 along the main axis 118between a closed position (see, for example, FIG. 23), an open position(see, for example, FIG. 24), and a gripping position therebetween (see,for example FIGS. 26 and 27). Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, movement ofthe object retention element 120 from the closed position to the openposition results in the expansion of a lip groove 128 for receiving amounting lip of an object. The lip groove 128 may be at least partiallydefined by a gap distance 184 between the first head portion 112 a andthe bore proximal end 174. Referring to FIGS. 25, 26 and 28, movement ofthe object retention element 120 from the open position to the grippingposition reduces the gap distance 184 for imposing onto the mounting lip105 a gripping force 186 by the first head portion 112 a toward the boreproximal end 174.

Particular embodiments of the marking apparatus 100 may comprise atightening element 142 transportable (e.g., threadedly) along the shaftmember 116 between a release position (see, for example, FIG. 26) and alock position (see, for example, FIG. 27). As a result, the tighteningelement may be configured to (i) when in the release position, allowmovement of the object retention element 120 between the closed positionand the open position, (ii) when in the lock position, prevent movementof the object retention element 120 from the gripping position towardthe open position, and (iii) enable adjustability of the gripping force186. The adjustability of the gripping force 186 may be configured toenable the gripping force 186 to be increased sufficiently so as torigidly affix the marking apparatus 100 to the object 102.

A cover element 132 may be configured to engage the tightening element142 to restrict relative rotational movement therebetween about the mainaxis 118 while enabling relative axial movement therebetween along themain axis 118.

Referring the FIGS. 14 and 15, in certain preferred embodiments of amarking apparatus 100, a head distance 208 is defined between the firsthead portion 112 a and the shaft member 116. The releasable engagementbetween the first head adapter 111 a and the shaft member 116 may be athreaded engagement enabling the head distance 208 to be adjusted byrelative rotation between the shaft member 116 and the first headadapter 111 a.

In particular preferred embodiments of a marking apparatus 100, theshaft member 116 may be comprised of a polymer and may include ametallic (e.g., brass) threaded insert 192 by which the first headadapter 111 a is in its threaded engagement with the shaft member 116.Alternatively, the shaft member 16 may be comprise of metal. Moreover,the shaft member, shank portion and head portion may be formed as aunitary component, as illustrated for example in FIG. 47.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 21, certain preferred embodiments of a markingapparatus 100 may further comprise a second head adapter 111 b includinga second head portion 112 b and a second shank portion 172 b. The secondhead adapter 111 b may be configured to be placed in said releasableengagement with the shaft member 116 in substitution of the first headadapter 111 a, whereby the second head portion 112 a substitutes for thefirst head portion 112 a and the second shank portion 172 b substitutesfor the first shank portion 172 a. See, for example, FIG. 34. In suchembodiments, the first head portion 112 a may include a first inner face130 a and a first outer face 180 a. The first inner face 130 a may bedisposed between the first outer face 180 a the first shank portion 172a. The first inner face 130 a may extend radially of the first shankportion 172 a in flat-planar fashion (see, for example, FIG. 14).Referring to FIG. 21, the second head portion 112 b may include a secondinner face 130 b and a second outer face 180 b. The second inner face130 b may be disposed between the second outer face 130 b the secondshank portion 172 b. The second inner face 130 b may be conicallytapered with respect to the second shank portion 172 b.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 21, particular embodiments of a markingapparatus 100 may further comprise a third head adapter 111 c includinga third head portion 112 c and a third shank portion 172 c. The thirdhead adapter 111 c may be configured to be placed in the aforementionedreleasable engagement with the shaft member 116 in substitution of thefirst head adapter 111 a (see, for example, FIG. 35), whereby the thirdhead portion 112 c substitutes for the first head portion 112 a and thethird shank portion 172 c substitutes for the first shank portion 172 a.In such embodiments, the third head portion 112 c may include a thirdinner face 130 c and a third outer face 180. The third inner face 130 cmay be disposed between the third outer face 180 c the third shankportion 172 c. The third inner face 130 c may be conically tapered withrespect to the third shank portion 172 c. Referring to FIG. 21, thethird shank portion 172 c may be longer than the second shank portion172 b.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 21, in certain embodiments of the markingadapter 100, the object retention element 120 may include finger gripportions 124 extending radially of the main axis 118. At least one ofthe finger grip portions 124 may include a head adapter fixture 212configured to removably retain a respective head adapter for storagethereof. This removable retention may be, for example, by way ofthreaded interface between the head adapter fixture 212 and respectiveshank portion (172 a, 172 b or 172 c). The head adapter fixture 212 mayinclude a threaded fixture bore 215 for threadably receiving therespective shank portion. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, each head adapterfixture 212 may include a fixture close-out element 215 attached to afixture base portion 213. In such embodiments, the threaded fixture bore115 may be formed therebetween. The attachment of the fixture close-outelement 214 to the fixture base portion 213 is by way of one or morecantilever snaps 217.

The cover element 132 may include a surface engagement portion 136 andmay be movable with respect to the post element 110 along the main axis118 between an extended position (see, for example, FIGS. 27 and 29) anda marking position (see, for example, FIG. 30). The cover element 132may be elastically biased toward the extended position. The surfaceengagement portion 136 may extend axially beyond the marking end 114when the cover element 132 is in the extended position, and may beaxially aligned with or inward of the marking end 114 when the coverelement 132 is in the marking position.

Referring to FIG. 21, in particular embodiments of the marking apparatus100, the object retention element 120 may be resiliently biased towardthe closed position, and may include a spring groove 156. The resilientbias and elastic bias may be provided by way of a spring element 126 atleast partially disposed within the spring groove 156. Moreover, themarking apparatus may further comprise a first spring interface 152 awasher and a second spring interface washer 152 b. The first springinterface washer 152 a may be disposed along the main axis 118 betweenthe spring element 126 and the object retention element 120. The secondspring interface washer 152 b may be disposed along the main axis 118between the spring element 126 and the cover element 132.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 21, in certain embodiments of a markingapparatus 100 the cover element 132 may include a spring shroud 140extending oppositely of the surface engagement portion 136. The springshroud 140 may be in at least partial receipt of the spring element 126and configured to be at least partially received by the spring groove156 throughout the movement of the cover element 132 between extendedand marking positions. Moreover, the spring groove 156 and spring shroud140 may be configured to cooperate to fully-envelope the spring element126 about the main axis 118 throughout the movement of the cover element132 between extended and marking positions.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 14 and 21, in particular embodiments of a markingapparatus 100, the post element 110 may include a cover retentionelement 150 attached to the shaft portion 116 (e.g., by snap, adhesiveor threaded arrangement). When the cover retention element 150 isattached to the shaft member 116, the cover retention element 150 may beconfigured to (a) axially retain the cover element 132 on the postelement 110, (b) limit the axial distance between the surface engagementportion 136 and the marking end 114 when the cover element 132 is in theextended position, and (c) prevent the post element 110 from beingremoved from the object retention element 120.

Referring to FIGS. 12a -15, in particular embodiments of a markingapparatus 100, the post element 110 may include a stamp member 113 withthe marking end 114 protruding therefrom. The stamp member 113 may beremovably attached to the cover retention element 150, for example, byway of snap or press-fit. Referring to FIG. 12A, the marking end 114 maycomprise a variety of point-target-like shapes, including a cross-shapedprotrusion. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 14, the post element 110 mayinclude a threaded fastener 115 configured to extend through the coverretention element 150 and be threadedly received by the shaft member116. The threaded fastener 115 may thereby attach the cover element 132to the shaft member 116.

Certain embodiment of a marking apparatus 100 may further comprise a capelement 157 with a marking substance pad 159 disposed therein. The capelement 157 may have an outer color which matches the color of themarking substance. The cap element 157 may preferably be configured toreceivingly engage a portion of the cover element 132. For example, asshown in the several figures, the cap element may have internal featureswhich are configured to engage complementary features on the outsidesurface the cover element 132. Accordingly, when the cap 157 is in thereceiving engagement with the cover element 132, (i) the cap element 157and the cover element 132 may be configured to restrict relativerotation therebetween about the main axis 118, and (ii) the markingsubstance pad 159 is contactable by the marking end 114.

Referring now to FIGS. 21, 22, 48 and 49, in particular preferredembodiments of a marking apparatus 100, the object retention element 120may include an object reference plane 194, and one or more offsetportions 200. The object reference plane 194 is preferably definedorthogonally to the main axis 118 and outward of the bore proximal end174. A first offset portion and a second offset portion may extend toand terminate at the object reference plane, and be disposed on opposingsides of the main axis 118 thereby defining a hardware relief channel202 therebetween. The offset portions 200 may be elongated and runparallel to one another, as shown for example in FIGS. 19 and 46.Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 46, the offset portions 200 may bepart of a single continuous perimeter wall. In such case, the perimeterwall may include a pair of opposingly disposed hardware relief cuts 204.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, in particular preferred embodiments of amarking apparatus 100, the alignment bore 170 may include an axialdetent portion 178 configured to limit axial movement of the shaftmember 116 in a retraction direction from the bore proximal 174 towardthe bore distal end 176. The limitation of axial movement may be by wayof, for example, engagement between the axial detent portion 178 and therotational detent member 190.

Referring to FIGS. 39, 40 and 46, in certain preferred embodiments of amarking apparatus 100 the first head portion 112 a is elongated along ahead length 216 orthogonally to the main axis 118. In such embodiments,the head portion 112 a may be oriented with the head length 216 parallelwith the transverse axis 198. Moreover, the object retention element 120may include at least one slot alignment boss 182 extending outward ofthe alignment bore 170 in a direction parallel to the main axis 118. Thealignment boss 182 may be in distinct pairs or have boss portions onopposing sides of the main axis 118. The slot alignment bosses 182 maybe disposed within the hardware relief channel 202 in embodiments inwhich such a channel exists. Referring to FIG. 46, the slot alignmentbosses 182 may preferably be aligned with one another in parallel withthe longitudinal axis 196. The at least one slot alignment boss 182 mayextend beyond the object reference plane 194 in embodiments in whichsuch a plane exists. In particular embodiments, at least one slotalignment boss 182 may include a boss termination end and a shoulderportion disposed inward thereof. Referring to FIGS. 41 and 46, the firstand second offset portions 200 may each include a relief notch 206therein, and the relief notches 206 may be aligned with one another inparallel with the transverse axis 198.

Referring to FIGS. 61-67, one example implementation of a slot-securablepoint marking tool 262 in accordance with the present disclosure maycomprise a first arm portion 290 and a second arm portion 292. The firstarm portion 290 may extend longitudinally from a base end 294 to a guideleading edge 316. The second arm portion 292 may extend longitudinallyfrom the base end 294 to an insertion guide lip 298. Referring to FIGS.61 and 63, the insertion guide lip 298 may preferably be angularlydeflected away from the lateral guide portion 300.

A tool mouth 320 may be defined between the guide leading edge 316 andthe insertion guide lip 298. A tool axis 308 may extend from the baseend 294 to the tool mouth 320. A point axis 306 may be definedorthogonally to the tool axis 308. Referring to FIG. 65, the tool mouth320 may be movable in a direction parallel to the point axis 306 betweena securement configuration and an expanded configuration (an expandedconfiguration being shown in broken lines in FIG. 65). The tool mouth320 may be resiliently biased toward the securement configuration. Thesecond arm portion 292 may include at least one slot alignmentprotuberance 310 extending toward the first arm portion 290 in adirection parallel to the point axis 306. The second arm portion 292 mayinclude a marking point element 302 extending along the point axis 306oppositely of the at least one slot alignment protuberance 310.

Referring to FIGS. 65 and 68, in particular implementations of aslot-securable point marking tool 262 the one or more slot alignmentprotuberance 310 is collectively centered about the point axis 306. Theimplementation shown in FIGS. 61-70 includes two slot alignmentprotuberances 310 collectively centered about the point axis 306.

Referring to FIGS. 62, 65 and 68, in certain implementations of aslot-securable point marking tool 262, the marking point element 302 maybe mounted in (e.g., extending through) a point-mounting protuberance312 disposed between two slot alignment protuberances 310, andoppositely of the slot alignment protuberances 310 in a directionparallel to the point axis 306. For example, as shown in FIGS. 63, 65and 68, the marking point element 302 may be threadedly mounted to thepoint-mounting protuberance 312. In such case, referring to FIGS. 62 and66, a point element access port 314 may be provided in the first armportion 290 in order to facilitate threaded mounting of the markingpoint element 302 in the point-mounting protuberance 312, so that thepointed tip of the marking point element 302 can extend outward of thesecond arm portion 292. Additionally, or in the alternative, the markingpoint element 302 may be mounted by way of weld joint, adhesive joint orthe like. In further alternative, the marking point element 302 may beformed as an integral part of the second arm portion 292 or thepoint-mounting protuberance 312.

Referring to FIGS. 65, and 66, the first arm portion 290 may include ahardware insertion detent 304 between the base end 294 and the pointaxis 306. Referring to FIG. 70, the hardware insertion detent may act asan insertion stop when coming into engagement with the hanger hardwareelement 169.

Referring to FIGS. 66 and 67, in particular implementations of aslot-securable point marking tool 262, the first arm portion 290 mayinclude a lateral guide portion 300 extending from the guide leadingedge 316 toward the base end 294. The lateral guide portion 300 mayinclude an opposing pair of guide lateral edges 318. Referring to FIG.67, the guide lateral edges 318 may be disposed laterally of the toolaxis 308 beyond the at least one slot alignment protuberance 310.Referring to FIGS. 62 and 67, the guide leading edge 316 may intersectthe guide lateral edges 318 at respectively radiused or chamferedtransition edges 332.

In certain preferred implementations of the slot-securable point markingtool 262, such as the one depicted in FIGS. 61-70, the first arm portion290 and the second arm portion 292 may be unitarily formed of a singlepiece of material, such as sheet metal (e.g., a spring steel). Suchconstruction may be what provides the tool mouth 320 its resilient biastoward its securement configuration. FIGS. 69 and 70 illustrate howparticular preferred implementations of the slot-securable point markingtool 262 may be used in conjunction with a conventional security hangerhardware element 169 affixed to an object 102 in order to mark amounting surface 108 where a corresponding slot fastener is to beplaced.

Referring now to FIGS. 180-195, a magnetic slot-securable point markingtool 322 may comprise a base wall 324, at least one marking pointelement 302, at least one slot alignment protuberance 310, and at leastone magnetic element 330. The base wall 324 may preferably define a toolplane. Referring to FIGS. Referring to FIGS. 181, 183, 184 and 191, theat least one marking point element 302 may extend outward of the basewall 324 in a direction orthogonal to the tool plane. Referring to FIGS.189 and 191, in certain implementations, at least two said marking pointelements 302 may extend outward of the base wall 324.

The at least one slot alignment protuberance 310 may extend outward ofthe base wall 324 in a direction orthogonal and oppositely of the atleast one marking point element 302. Referring to FIGS. 187A and 192,the at least one magnetic element 330 may be configured to magneticallyaffix the base wall element 324 with respect to a hanger hardwareelement 169 having a fastener slot 104 when the at least one slotalignment protuberance 310 is received by the fastener slot.

Referring to FIGS. 182 and 185, in certain implementations of themagnetic slot-securable point marking tool 322, a magnetic element 330may be disposed between two slot alignment protuberances 310.Additionally, or in the alternative, the base wall 324 may be comprisedof magnetically-infused polymer or similar material, thereby comprisingthe at least one magnetic element 330. Additionally, or in thealternative, referring to FIGS. 194 and 195, the at least one slotalignment protuberance 310 may itself also be the at least one magneticelement 330.

Referring to FIGS. 181 and 185, in certain implementations of themagnetic slot-securable point marking tool 322, an offset portion 326may extend from the base wall 324 oppositely of the at least one markingpoint element 302. In such case, referring to FIG. 190 a respectivemagnetic element 330 may be disposed between the offset portion 326 anda slot alignment protuberance 310. Referring to FIGS. 181 and 182, theoffset portion 326 may include at least one relief notch 328.

Referring to FIGS. 125-179 illustrate various example embodiment of afurther alternative marking apparatus 100 in accordance with the presentdisclosure, wherein the apparatuses 100 are particularly adapted forfacilitating slotless mounting (e.g., via cleat or sawtooth-type hangerhardware elements) of an object to a mounting surface in a desiredalignment using the object as an alignment template. As shown in theseseveral figures, these particular-adapted apparatuses 100 may stillinclude many or most of the components and features described above inconnection with other versions of the apparatus.

The apparatuses 100 corresponding to FIGS. 125-179 may comprise a postelement 110 including a specially-adapted head portion (e.g., such asthose shown at 112 d-112 g), a marking end 114 and a shaft member 116extending therebetween along a main axis 118. A transverse axis 198 maybe defined orthogonally to the main axis 118. The head portion may havea nose end 340 and may extend radially of the main axis 118 to the noseend 340. The head portion (e.g., 112 d-112 g) may have a correspondinginner face (e.g., 130 d-130 g). Referring to FIGS. 140, 153 and 179, agrip angle 288 may be defined between the inner face and the transverseaxis 198. In the apparatuses 100 corresponding to FIGS. 125-179, thehead portion preferably extends asymmetrically outward of the main axis118, typically at least from the main axis 118 to the nose end 340.

The apparatuses 100 corresponding to FIGS. 125-179 may comprise aspecially-adapted object retention element 120 having an alignment bore170 extending along the main axis 118 between a bore proximal end 174and a bore distal end 176. The alignment bore 170 may be in receipt ofthe post element 110. Relative rotation between the object retentionelement 120 and the post element 110 (partially the shaft member 116 andthe head portion) about the main axis 118 may be restricted (e.g.,limited to small tolerances less than, for example 5 angular degrees).The object retention element 120 may be movable with respect to the postelement 110 along the main axis 118 between the aforementioned closedposition, an open position, and a gripping position therebetween.

Preferred embodiments of the apparatuses 100 corresponding to FIGS.125-179 will comprise a tightening element 142 and cover element 132 inaccordance with other portions of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 140, 153 and 163, depending upon the particularembodiment of the apparatus 100, the grip angle 288 may vary from, forexample, 0 degrees to 30 degrees. These variances may be incrementalbased on the particular cleat hardware element 264 the respectiveapparatus 100 is adapted to accommodate. For example, as of the time ofthis disclosure, many conventional cleat hardware elements 264 aredesigned with cleat angle increments of 7.5 angular degrees (e.g.,7.5-degree cleats, 15-degree cleats, 22.5-degree cleats and 30-degreecleats). With these variances in mind, referring to FIGS. 178 and 179,in particular preferred embodiment of the apparatus 100, the grip angle288 may be selectively adjustable.

As illustrated for example in FIGS. 178 and 179, the head portion 112 gand the shaft member 116 may be cooperatively configured to enable thegrip angle to 288 be selectively-adjustable. In certain suchembodiments, the selective-adjustability may be in 7.5-degreeincrements. By way of example, referring to FIGS. 174-179, the headportion 112 g shown in FIG. 176 may include a series oflaterally-extending grooves (e.g., shown extending between the pinsaddles 276) which are configured to receive respectivelaterally-extending splines in the lower portion of the post element 116(e.g., the shaft member 116 in FIG. 175 depending upon which grip angleis desired. A rotation lock fastener 272 may extend through the headportion 112 and threadedly engage a head mounting pin 270 to keep thesubassembly together with the selected grip angle rigidly maintained. Inan alternative embodiment of the apparatus 100 in which the grip angle288 is selectively adjustable, an adjustable frictional engagementbetween the head portion and the shaft member may rigidly maintain theselected grip angle. The adjustability of that frictional engagement maybe by way of, for example, a threaded fastener extending through thehead portion and correspondingly-adapted shaft member 118.

In particular embodiments of apparatuses 100 corresponding to FIGS.125-179, a longitudinal axis 196 may be defined orthogonally to the mainaxis 118 and the transverse axis 198. Moreover, referring to FIGS.127-130, the object retention element 120 may include at least one lipalignment detent 278 extending outward of the bore proximal end 174 andin coplanar alignment with the main axis 118 and longitudinal axis 196.In such embodiments, the object retention element 120 may include, forexample, two lip alignment detents 278 and an opposing pair of liprelief grooves 280. Each lip relief groove 280 may preferably be inadjacent alignment with a respective one of the lip alignment detents278. Furthermore, referring to FIG. 128, each lip relief groove 280 mayinclude a chamfered cleat relief edge 282.

In certain embodiments of apparatuses 100 corresponding to FIGS. 125-179in which the object retention element 120 includes two lip alignmentdetents 278 (see, e.g., FIG. 127-130) a relief notch 206 may be disposedin coplanar alignment with the main axis 118 and the transverse axis198. Alternatively, or in addition, a head retraction relief 284 may bedisposed in coplanar alignment with the main axis 118 and the transverseaxis 198. Referring to FIG. 134, the head portion may have a head width338 and the head retraction relief may have a relief width 336 equal toor greater than the head width 338. In further alterative or addition,referring to FIGS. 134, 135 and 137, a lip offset relief 286 may bedefined at the interface of the shaft member 116 and the head portion.The lip offset relief 286 may be in coplanar alignment with the mainaxis 118 and the longitudinal axis 196.

Referring to FIGS. 80-84, in certain embodiments of a marking apparatus100 the post element 110 may further include a friction offset member356. The friction offset member 356 may preferably be (a) disposedbetween the cover retention element 150 and the tightening element 142;and (b) in engagement with the shaft member 116 in a manner restrictingrelative rotation between the shaft member 116 and the friction offsetmember 356 about the main axis 118. With regard to the development ofthe friction offset member 150, extensive testing of earlier prototypesof the marking apparatus 100 via cycle-testing between fully-tightenedand fully-loosened revealed an opportunity for improvement of theapparatus's robustness. Specifically, in the early prototypes, fulluntightening put the tightening element 142 in contact with the coverretention element 150 secured by the retention screw 115, therebyexerting both axial and rotational forces on the cover retention element150 and the retention screw 115. Both of these elements were able towithstand substantial untightening axial force, but were less capable ofwithstanding rotational force. To mitigate the rotational force on thoseelements, the frictional offset element 150 was designed to be keyed tothe shaft member 116, thereby preventing rotational force from beingtransmitted from the tightening element 142 to the cover retentionelement 150 and retention screw 115.

Referring to FIGS. 87-100, particular embodiments of a marking apparatus100 may further comprise a channel adapter 344. A channel adapter 344may preferably have an outboard surface 358 and may have a shank reliefaperture 346. The channel adapter 344 may be configured to be releasablysecured to the object retention element 120 such that the channeladapter 344 extends across the hardware relief channel 202 with theoutboard surface 358 being parallel to the object reference plane 194and flush with or extending outward of the object reference plane 194.FIG. 100 illustrates one case in which the outboard surface 358 of thechannel adapter 344 is flush with the object reference plane 194. Incontrast, FIGS. 94 and 96 illustrate two cases in which the outboardsurface 358 of the channel adapter 344 extends outward of the objectreference plane 194. Also, referring to FIGS. 89 and 100, when thechannel adapter 344 is in its releasable securement, the post element110 is preferably at least partially extendable through the shank reliefaperture 346.

Referring to FIGS. 95-98, in certain embodiments of a marking apparatus100 with a channel adapter 344, the releasable securement of the channeladapter 344 may be by way of frictional engagement between the channeladapter 344 and the hardware relief channel 202. Referring to FIGS. 95and 96, in certain such embodiments, the channel adapter 344 may includean elastomeric adaptor friction element 350 for facilitating thefrictional engagement.

Referring to FIGS. 99 and 100, in particular embodiments of a markingapparatus 100 with a channel adapter 344, the releasable securement maybe by way of magnetic engagement between the channel adapter 344 and theobject retention element 120. By way of example, the channel adapter 344may include one or more adapter magnet elements 352 in magneticengagement with one or more corresponding retention magnet elements 354of the object retention element 120.

Referring to FIGS. 88 and 89, in certain embodiments of a markingapparatus 100 with a channel adapter 344, the releasable securement ofthe channel adapter 344 may be by way of clamping of the channel adapter344 between the object retention element 120 and the head portion 112 aon the shaft member of the post element 110. In particular suchembodiments, the channel adapter 344 may include a shank slot 348extending from a lateral edge to the shank relief aperture 346.

With regard to the development of the channel adapter 344, the offsetportions 200 and hardware relief channel 202 of particular embodimentsof a marking apparatus 100 allow the apparatus to be used with the mostcommon add-on keyhole hardware element types. There are less commonadd-on applications, however, where the hardware geometry may benefitfrom some adaptation of such marking apparatuses in order to mount theapparatus orthogonally to the object surface. One example of thepotential need for such occasional adaptation is illustrated in FIG. 86,which shows a potential operating condition in which the size and shapeof a particular keyhole hardware element may result in the hardwarerelief channel asymmetrically receiving a portion of the hardwareelement, thereby preventing the apparatus from sitting orthogonally tothe object's surface. The provision of a channel adapter 344 to cover orplug the hardware relief channel 202 as disclosed herein remedies thiscondition, without forcing the user to resort to using shims or otherinconvenient adaptations.

The following listing correlates certain terminology used within thisdisclosure with corresponding reference numbers used in certainnon-limiting embodiments illustrated in the several figures. To theextent that any description in this specification contradicts items inthis listing, the description of the specification will control.

-   100 marking apparatus-   102 object-   103 fastener head opening/aperture-   104 slide mount slot, fastener slot (e.g., keyhole or other    configuration)-   105 mounting lip-   106 fastener/bracket-   107 fastener head/T-screw-   108 mounting surface-   110 post element-   111 a first head adapter-   111 b second head adapter-   111 c third head adapter-   112 a first head portion-   112 b second head portion-   112 c third head portion-   112 d head portion (cleat-engagement-type 1)-   112 e head portion (cleat-engagement-type 2)-   112 f head portion (cleat-engagement-type 3)-   112 g head portion (adjustable type)-   113 stamp element-   114 marking end (marking tip)-   115 retention screw-   116 shaft member-   118 main axis-   120 object retention element-   122 alignment boss-   124 finger grip portions-   126 spring element (e.g., compression spring)-   128 lip groove, annular slot-   130 a first inner face, inboard surface-   130 b second inner face, inboard surface-   130 c third inner face, inboard surface-   130 d inner face of head portion (cleat-engagement-type 1)-   130 e inner face of head portion (cleat-engagement-type 2)-   130 f inner face of head portion (cleat-engagement-type 3)-   130 g inner face of head portion (adjustable type)-   132 cover element-   134 shaft aperture-   136 surface engagement portion-   138 tip chamber-   140 spring shroud-   142 tightening element-   144 main bore (e.g., threaded)-   146 first torque detent-   148 second torque detent-   150 cover retention element-   152 a first spring interface washer-   152 b second spring interface washer-   154 marking patch, deposited mark-   156 spring groove/recess-   157 cap element-   158 marking substance (e.g., ink or viscous marking substance; e.g.,    various colors)-   159 marking substance pad-   160 local planar surface-   162 recess-   168 keyhole hardware element-   169 T-screw security hanger hardware element-   170 alignment bore-   172 a first shank portion-   172 b second shank portion-   172 c third shank portion-   174 bore proximal end-   176 bore distal end-   177 slot closed end-   178 axial detent portion-   180 a first outer face-   180 b second outer face-   180 c third outer face-   182 slot alignment boss-   184 gap distance-   186 gripping force-   190 rotational detent portion-   192 threaded insert (e.g., metallic/brass)-   194 object reference plane-   196 longitudinal axis-   198 transverse axis-   200 offset portions-   202 hardware relief channel-   204 relief cut-   206 relief notch-   208 head distance-   210 rotational detent face/section-   212 head adapter fixture-   213 fixture base portion-   214 fixture close-out element-   215 threaded fixture bore-   216 head length-   217 cantilever snaps-   262 slot-securable point marking tool-   264 cleat hardware element (object side)-   266 cleat hardware element (wall side)-   268 sawtooth hanger hardware element-   270 head mounting pin-   272 rotation lock fastener-   274 pin aperture-   276 pin saddle-   278 lip alignment detent-   280 lip relief groove-   282 cleat relief edge-   284 head retraction relief-   286 lip offset relief-   288 grip angle-   290 first arm portion-   292 second arm portion-   294 base end-   296 slot-engagement end-   298 insertion guide lip-   300 lateral guide portion-   302 marking point element-   304 hardware insertion detent-   306 point axis-   308 tool axis-   310 slot alignment protuberance-   312 point-mounting protuberance-   314 point element access port-   316 guide leading edge-   318 guide lateral edges-   320 tool mouth-   322 magnetic slot-securable point marking tool-   324 base wall-   326 offset portion-   328 relief notch-   330 magnetic element-   332 transition edge-   334 tool plane-   336 relief width-   338 head width-   340 nose end-   342 keyhole hardware element (further type)-   344 channel adapter-   346 shank relief aperture-   348 shank slot-   350 adaptor friction element (e.g., elastomeric ring)-   352 adaptor magnet element-   354 retention magnet element-   356 friction offset member (e.g., metal washer)-   358 outboard face

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described,it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe allpossible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in thespecification are words of description rather than limitation, and it isunderstood that various changes may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A slot-securable point marking tool comprising: afirst arm portion extending longitudinally from a base end to a guideleading edge, a second arm portion extending longitudinally from thebase end to an insertion guide lip, a tool mouth being defined betweenthe guide leading edge and the insertion guide lip, a tool axisextending from the base end to the tool mouth, a point axis beingdefined orthogonally to the tool axis, the tool mouth being movable in adirection parallel to the point axis between a securement configurationand an expanded configuration, the tool mouth being resiliently biasedtoward the securement configuration, the second arm portion including atleast one slot alignment protuberance extending toward the first armportion in a direction parallel to the point axis, the second armportion including a marking point element extending along the point axisoppositely of the at least one slot alignment protuberance.
 2. Aslot-securable point marking tool as defined in claim 1, wherein thefirst arm portion includes a hardware insertion detent between the baseend and the point axis.
 3. A slot-securable point marking tool asdefined in claim 1, wherein the insertion guide lip is angularlydeflected away from the lateral guide portion.
 4. A slot-securable pointmarking tool as defined in claim 1, wherein the first arm portion andthe second arm portion are unitarily formed of a single piece of sheetmetal.
 5. A slot-securable point marking tool as defined in claim 1,wherein the first arm portion includes a lateral guide portion extendingfrom the guide leading edge toward the base end, the lateral guideportion including an opposing pair of guide lateral edges, the guidelateral edges being disposed laterally of the tool axis beyond the atleast one slot alignment protuberance.
 6. A slot-securable point markingtool as defined in claim 5, wherein the guide leading edge intersectsthe guide lateral edges at respectively radiused or chamfered transitionedges.
 7. A slot-securable point marking tool as defined in claim 1,wherein the one or more slot alignment protuberance is collectivelycentered about the point axis.
 8. A slot-securable point marking tool asdefined in claim 7, wherein the marking point element is mounted in apoint-mounting protuberance disposed (a) between two said slot alignmentprotuberances; and (b) oppositely of the slot alignment protuberances ina direction parallel to the point axis.
 9. A slot-securable pointmarking tool as defined in claim 7, wherein the marking point element isthreadedly mounted to the point-mounting protuberance.